St-Barth Yachting, a young Dutch shipyard, is shaking up the mini superyacht market with its innovative and space-efficient designs, combining luxury and practicality. The shipyard focuses on creating compact, easy-to-operate yachts with spacious interiors, abundant outdoor areas, and stunning 360-degree views. Let's take a closer look at their approach and the two latest models transforming the market.
A Vision Born from Necessity
Founded five years ago, St-Barth Yachting emerged from the personal experience of Frank Bart, the founder and owner of the St-Barth 75. Unable to find the yacht he envisioned, Bart, with 25 years of experience in high-end contracting and design, decided to build it himself. Drawing inspiration from his work on Fort Resort Beemster, he emphasized the importance of space—both in homes and yachts—leading to the creation of the shipyard's distinctive designs.
Superyacht Standards in a Compact Package
The St-Barth 75 redefines expectations for mini superyachts. Constructed with an aluminium hull and superstructure, this yacht offers the highest standards of build quality and finish. At 23.85 metres, it feels as spacious as a 29-metre superyacht, featuring four ensuite cabins and accommodation for up to eight guests. Notable amenities include a foredeck jacuzzi, a full-beam beach club, and an innovative layout that enhances comfort without compromising on performance. The St-Barth 75 can be operated by just two people, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a yacht that balances luxury with ease of use. It boasts impressive manoeuvrability, 360-degree visibility, and minimal engine noise, ensuring a smooth and comfortable cruising experience.
The Next Evolution: St-Barth 85 Fly
Building on the success of the St-Barth 75, the shipyard introduced the St-Barth 85 Fly. Due for completion in 2025, this 26-metre yacht builds on the strengths of its predecessor while adding more interior volume, innovative features, and better crew accommodation. It retains the same efficiency and maneuverability, and like the St-Barth 75, it can be operated by just two people. The St-Barth 85 Fly offers a grand open-plan saloon, four ensuite cabins, a foredeck jacuzzi, and a four-metre-wide swim platform at the stern, making it an ideal yacht for those looking for a compact yet luxurious cruising experience.
Space Meets Luxury
Bart’s philosophy centers on maximizing space to create a sense of openness and comfort, turning the often-cramped areas found on yachts into expansive, airy living spaces. This principle is evident in the St-Barth 75, which features a large living-dining-kitchen area at the heart of the boat, designed for families and friends to enjoy together. The shipyard’s commitment to spaciousness has led them to build yachts that feel much larger than their physical dimensions.
Although new to the industry, St-Barth Yachting is rich in experience, with a passionate and highly skilled team behind every project. The shipyard prides itself on offering a personalized and flexible approach to yacht construction. With a focus on high-quality materials, attention to detail, and total quality control, clients receive a bespoke yacht tailored to their needs. Bart notes, "We’re not afraid to try things that aren’t in the yacht building manual. We love collaborating with owners who think differently and are open to new ideas and insights.